Streets surrounding the Irish parliament were shut down and traffic ground to a halt during rush-hour as around 2,000 demonstrators staged a spontaneous protest, in support of a young pregnant women who died when doctors refused her an abortion.

Kildare Street and Molesworth Street were flooded with protesters who listened to speeches from pro-choice campaigners, before sitting down for a minute's silence.

Her husband, Praveen, has alleged that doctors refused several requests for a medical termination because the foetus's heartbeat was present.

Protestors outside Leinster House hold placard in support of legalising abortion after the death of Savita Halappanavar

Mr Halappanavar has claimed that following his late wife's appeals, they were told: "This is a Catholic country."

Choice Ireland's Stephanie Lord said the same questions were still being asked after 20 years.

"If a woman is pregnant, her life in jeopardy, can she even establish whether or not she has a right to a termination here in Ireland? There is still a disturbing lack of clarity around this issue," she said.

A protester holds a candle next to a picture of Savita Halappanavar

Dr Ruth Cullen, of the Pro Life Campaign, said some people in favour of allowing abortion were exploiting Ms Halappanavar's tragic death.

"The Medical Council Guidelines are very clear that all necessary medical treatment must be given to women in pregnancy," she said.